• Our mission...

    At BACS, we believe everyone is an artist at heart. Our mission is to provide the space, materials, and encouragement to create freely, learn through play, and experience the joy of open-ended art. Each week brings new projects designed for all ages—sparking imagination, building confidence, and celebrating creativity in every form.

    For kids, our goal isn’t to make little artists, but to nurture curious, creative thinkers who feel proud of their ideas. For adults, we invite a return to play and self-expression—because making things connects us to ourselves and our community. We also offer private drawing and painting lessons for those who want more focused, one-on-one guidance to grow their skills at their own pace.

    We love hosting art-filled parties that let creativity take center stage, giving guests a fun and memorable way to celebrate through making. And for homeschooling families, our art sessions provide a playful, educational way to explore art principles, elements, and history while keeping creativity at the heart of learning.

Mon-Weds Drop-in Studio Sessions

  • Open Studio

    Free art stations plus various projects.

    Mondays through Wednesdays 2:30pm-5:30pm Ages 10+ $15/entry

    What to expect:

    One large table permanently dedicated to drawing and coloring with various materials and activites for endless creative exploration. 4 smaller tables with specific projects rotating every week. Things like a stamp station, rock painting, construction (paper) zone, building bracelets, Seasonal Projects, STEM projects, Fresh Flower still-life painting, printmaking, fun with fabrics...and more!

    (Participants 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years of age.)

  • Mini-Monets

    Parents and Toddler Art Sensory activities.

    Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30am-Noon Ages 18 months - 5. $15/Entry

    What to expect:

    Similar to Open Studio time but geared specifically for Toddlers. Parents will use this time to guide their little artist through out the room and see what engages their child’s creativity. Whether it’s the drawing and coloring table, painting the textured mural wall or several rotating activities, they will stimulate the senses, improve their fine motor skills, and explore their imagination.

  • Homeschool Art

    Structured Lessons to help parents fulfill the subject of Art in their homeschool curriculum.

    Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30am $15/Class

    What to expect:

    Structured lessons designed to move through the elements and principles of ART. This class is meant to encourage the enjoyment of art and finding the fun in making for the sake of making while also having an understanding of processes and methods. Different materials will switched up week-by-week and a different art history lesson will also be integrated in a project every week. Majority of projects will be adaptable no matter what age the artist is.

    ***Pre-registration is not required but preferred. Kids should be expected to arrive prior to 9:30 to begin class on time.

    ***Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years of age.

We put the ART in Party!

  • Friday Night Art Party

    Alternating Friday Night projects for Teens, Adults and Families. See our facebook page for upcoming events or sign up for our monthly newsletter at the bottom of this page.
    Classes are typically from 6:30-9pm and prices range from $20-40/person. Snacks (and sometimes alcohol) are provided.
    TEEN NIGHT - Ages 13-17, “trending” projects to wear, showcase or share.
    DIY ART PARTY - 16+yrs - Various crafts and projects you’ll actually enjoy making and want to showcase and brag to all your friend about saying “YEAH! I made that!”
    FAMILY NIGHT - 2 or more family members can make memories working together on a piece of art for your home or garden that will serve as cherished momento for generations to come.

  • Private Parties

    Regular Private Party: Guests enjoy 1 or 2 main projects with 1-2 smaller projects set around the room and can move freely, creating at their own pace and choosing what inspires them most. Great for the littles that get bored easily.

    2 hours - $250, 3 hours -$340

    Private PAINT Party: This is more like a classic paint-and-sip style experience!Your room will be set up for guided, step-by-step instruction as everyone creates the same painting together.All of our parties are 100% customizable!From the painting subject and color palette to themes, vibes, and special touches — we tailor every party to fit your vision and celebration.

    2-Hour Paint Party: Includes all supplies + an 11×14 canvas $300 for 15 ppl +$30 for each additional person
    3-Hour Paint Party: Includes all supplies + a 16×20 canvas $450 for 15 ppl +$30 for each additional person

    Minimum: 15 paintersMaximum: 20 painters at a time

    Paint parties are not recommended for children under 10. $100 deposit is required to reserve date.

Pre-register before your visit!

Click here to register then check-in using the last four digits of your phone number
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Family Night - Neurographic Art
Art Party

JANUARY 23

Family Night - Neurographic Art

Join us for Family Neurograph Night—each family will collaborate on a large neurographic artwork with all supplies, guided instruction, plus snacks and beverages included. Families up to 5 create t...
$60.00
Reserve your spot!

Gift the Gift of Creativity!

Gift Certificates are available! With 5 passes you'll save $5, with 10 passes, you'll get a pass for free! Once purchased, passes will be sent via email (be sure to check spam folders).

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Private Drawing/Painting Lessons

Learn one-on-one with accomplished mural artist and educator Nora Reuter. With many years of professional mural work and a long career in teaching, Nora brings both real-world artistic experience and strong instructional skill into every lesson.

Her approach focuses on building solid drawing foundations, developing creative confidence, and teaching students how to truly see and think like artists — while guiding them through a natural progression into painting and beyond.

✨ Lessons take place Thursday and Saturday afternoons.

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About the owner - Nora Reuter

Creativity has always been at the heart of who I am. Growing up in a family of musicians and artists, I learned early on the joy of making and sharing art. As a mom, that joy has deepened into a desire to nurture creativity in others—especially kids—and to help my community experience the same sense of wonder that art has always given me.

After earning my degree in Studio Art from Northern Illinois University, I built a career as a mural artist under Nora Kate Paints, creating hundreds of murals and sharing my passion through paint parties, classrooms, and community projects.

Now, as the owner of Brave Arts Creative Studio in Dixon, I combine my love for art, teaching, and community—creating a space where people of all ages can explore, connect, and find their own creative bliss. -NKR

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